*The Emerald Isle beach house featured above is named At Water’s Edge. You can view it here.

If you gathered up the most beautiful beach homes from all over the world, would you find a common thread? We think so. But what could they all have in common? Good question! We think that all the best beach homes are inspired by the coastal ambiance that surrounds them. The decor and design elements within the home reflect back to the natural beauty that lies outside the home. From the natural elements of sun, sand, sky and sea to the quintessential characteristics of the beach locale itself, a coastal home embodies the essence of everything that surrounds it—and does it well. Here are some Emerald Isle beach homes that showcase exactly what we’re talking about. We’ve also added a few common themes that might help you when you’re thinking about your beach home’s design and decor. We hope you find inspiration for your coastal home by incorporating the beauty of what can be found all around you. 

Nod to Nautical

The nautical element is a coastal classic. Too much can be too distracting, but a little can be the perfect accent to your beach home. We love the anchor pillow and navy blue accents found in the throw rug and pillows. They tie the room together nicely and definitely give it the right nautical vibe. You can view more of this beautiful Emerald Isle beach house here.

All the White Places

Coastal whites bring a clean, bright and modern feel to any beach home. Too much white can feel stark, but using the right amount of white in the right places in your beach home is a great way to brighten up a room. The white cabinets in this kitchen are a great example. We love the contrast of the white cabinets against the wood floor and island. You can view more of this Emerald Isle beach home’s style and decor here. 

A Little Bit of Whimsy

A little bit of beach whimsy is a wonderful addition to any beach home. Just don’t overdo it, or it could be tacky. A few fun decor elements, like the pineapple-backed chairs shown here, make a coastal statement without being “too much”. Be selective with the whimsical pieces and make sure they add value and don’t detract from the overall appeal of the space. View more of this Emerald Isle home, aptly named Aloha.

Room with a View

A beach house should offer as many rooms with an ocean view as possible! The ocean and beach are the main attraction, so anytime you can showcase that you’re on the right track. Who wouldn’t want to stare at these views from the dining room and living room all day long? You can view more of this Emerald Isle home and its gorgeous views here. 

Coastal Blues & Hues

Incorporating the breathtaking coastal colors that surround your beach house on a daily basis is one of the design elements we love. Light, airy and ethereal coastal colors can bring the beach right into your home. Blending a complementary mix of blues is one of the many ways to achieve this look. Check out this Emerald Isle beach home well-named Sea Garden for more of this look.

Transitional Space

The best beach houses in Emerald Isle and in other beach destinations often have a transitional space connecting the home and the beach. This lovely ocean-view swing offers the perfect invitation to linger awhile before following the private boardwalk that leads right to the sand and water. You can see more of the design and decor of this Emerald Isle home here. 

A Sunny Place

A beach house wouldn’t be a beach house if it didn’t have prime access to the coastal elements of sun, sand, salt and sea. Having an oceanfront deck or outdoor patio where you can feel the sun on your face, relax and read a book, or just stare at the ocean while you sip your morning coffee is a must-have. You can see more of this Emerald Isle beach house inside and out here.